- Guardiola reflects on Silva’s importance
- Hints at emotional impact
- Looks ahead to final stretch of the season
Pep Guardiola has opened up on Bernardo Silva’s exit, offering an emotional insight into the midfielder’s importance at Manchester City.
Bernardo Silva’s recent announcement regarding his departure has sparked farewell messages from multiple personalities in football.
The first to respond was Erling Haaland, who talked about the impact and irreplacability of the Portuguese international.
Mikel Arteta and Antoine Semenyo didn’t hold back either, as both had nothing but praise for Silva. Now, it is Guardiola’s turn, who revealed the midfielder’s importance both on and off the pitch.
Pep Guardiola wants to give Silva the best possible exit
After nine years at Man City, it is safe to say that Silva has been one of the most important players under Guardiola.
He was an undeniable starter since day one, and City’s gaffer didn’t hold back from confessing what he hopes to ‘deliver’ for the player.
“Part of myself is leaving, too. It’ll be difficult to imagine without him. On and off the pitch, during nine years, he’s been massively, massively, massively important”, Guardiola said in his press conference via HaytersTV.
On Silva’s final days, he added: “Hopefully, we can deliver to him. He’s going to help us, I know. He’s a special player. Hopefully, we can deliver a good month, a few days, because he deserves it, he deserves the best.”
Guardiola’s reaction is plausible
Silva has undoubtedly been one of the key figures in the Man City dressing room for years. He also took over the captaincy this season and occasionally wore the armband before 2025/26.
However, for Guardiola, Silva’s importance goes deeper than just leadership abilities. The 31-year-old’s versatility is what the Catalan gaffer will probably miss the most.
Being able to play different roles in multiple positions is part of what defines the midfielder, alongside his intelligence and consistency.
City would like to win more trophies for this year’s farewells
While Silva’s departure has been announced, there are also other exits that are expected this season. Guardiola is one of the Citizens in question.
Rumours suggest an exit in the summer is plausible, but the manager’s contract expires in 2027. Hence, the Sky Blues would like to achieve more this season for proper farewells.
A Premier League title win as the captain would be a nice touch for Silva, as Man City have only managed to win the Carabao Cup this season.
